Senior Benefits of an Online Career

Many people tend to stick to what they know and what they’re comfortable with in life. For seniors, it’s no different, especially when it comes to a new career. It may be difficult for you to consider what type of job you might be suited for after you retire from your previous career. Particularly since you may have worked in that career for decades. Still, you shouldn’t ignore the opportunities that working outside your comfort zone can bring. As long as it’s not too uncomfortable.

Ageism can rear its ugly head when you are looking for work at this period in your life. No one wants to pay you for your years of experience. Many seniors often end up in part time or entry level jobs in retail or the food industry but that’s simply not the best fit for you. These lower end jobs often provide inconvenient hours, insufficient pay, and the type of environment not best suited to seniors.

It frequently involves a lot of physical activity and may be strenuous. Which can be quite hard on any seniors who have issues with mobility or energy. Online marketing is a great alternative to these more common jobs for a number of reasons, all of which are particularly beneficial to senior marketers.

While the idea of changing to an entirely different kind of career might sound daunting at first, it’s really not quite as bad as you might think. First, online marketing can all be done from the comfort of your own home. Second, you needn’t learn it all in one day. Third, there are a variety of ways to make money marketing your products or services and you get to choose.

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle

Instead of having to drive somewhere to a store dressed in a uniform, you get to wear whatever clothes are comfortable for you and work from your couch, desk, or patio. You don’t have to worry about wasting money on gas to drive to and from work, and you can have a lunch break just about any time that pleases you.

Time is a major factor in the benefits of online marketing. Where some jobs would have you working inconsistent hours, inconvenient hours, or just not giving you the hours you want, online marketing allows you to choose when you work and how much you work. Imagine being able to take the time to attend your grandchildren’s dance recitals or baseball games anytime you choose.

If you so desire, you can work all day every day, or just for a few hours every other day. It’s entirely up to you to make your own schedule. As far as earnings go, there’s no real limit to it. If you work consistently, you can earn anywhere from $20,000 a year to six or seven figures.

Given that all of your work in online marketing is done from a computer, you don’t even need to be at home while you’re working. You can be travelling in another state or in another country and still work if you want to, as long as you have an internet connection and access to your files on your laptop or in the cloud.

Some retirees think that going back to school to learn something new is the only answer to beginning a new career. That’s no longer true. Unless you have a driving passion and an overwhelming desire to spend time in a classroom, you can begin an online career right away.

You’ll make the leap from having a boss and a 9 to 5 schedule to being your own boss and setting your own hours. After many years at a job, that’s commonly what retirees long for most. If you don’t have a degree – don’t worry. You don’t need one.

What you will need is your knowledge and experience that you’ve garnered over time and a passion for something you can turn into an online business. You won’t need a large amount of startup cash.

In fact, establishing an online business can be started on a shoestring budget and embellished and expanded later when you’re making money. Many retirees begin their new online careers by setting up a blog.

A blog is based on a subject you know well and have had some experience in. It could be based on the hobby that you love or your travels. Travel blogs are very popular with retirees who always wanted to travel, but never had the time or money.

You can share your travel experiences with others who love to travel on your blog. You’ll write short articles about what you’ve experienced and offer tips and advice on the areas you visit, where to stay, or even what and how to pack.

Be sure that you write about relevant subjects that are truly helpful and real. You’ll build an audience of followers that are anxious to read your blogs to see what exciting adventures you’re off to now.

You don’t need to be a genius or a visionary, or even a college graduate for that matter, to be successful. You just need a framework and a dream.

— Michael Dell

You can even go as far out as to have a blog about potty-training puppies. It seems that almost every family (and individuals) has at least one dog in their house and if you have some tips up your sleeve about dogs, they’ll read your blogs.

When you begin to get an audience for your blog, you’ll want to look in to setting up links to products offered by other bloggers that will enhance what you offer. These will be your affiliate links and you will set up links to their websites.

Your followers who click on the links in your blog can purchase products that you recommend – and you get a commission each time they buy. When you have products to purchase, those affiliates might link to your site and send their website traffic your way.

Make sure you like the products you’re recommending or you’ll lose your audience’s trust. So if you have an interest or passion that has followed you throughout your life (and career), look at starting an online business that will give you an outlet for doing what you love while providing an extra income.

Not everyone is cut out for additional schooling. As a retiree, you can use the knowledge and experiences you’ve gained over the years to start another career – and this time, be your own boss.

For additional information I suggest you check out Melyssa Griffin’s blog post: